How many new Big Boys/Challengers do we need?

[jimmac230]

Come on let's say enough is enough, I do admire the both of them, but how many different versions of the same locomotives do we need. How about some different versions of the Mikados, Pacifics, Santa Fe 2-10-2s and Atlantics on the market also more than just 3 different versions of the Northern/Niagara/Daylight 4-8-4s. I agree that competition is good for the market.

[cacole]

Well, somebody is obviously buying these Big Boys and Challengers or there wouldn't be so many coming out. Not too long ago Rivarossi was the only game in town if you wanted a Big Boy; now there are at least 3 and possibly 4 different ones from which to choose, and at least two, Trix and Lionel, come with DCC and sound already installed! If Rivarossi were still the only game in town there would be nothing with DCC and sound already installed because Rivarossi doesn't seem to be interested in even putting a DCC plug into theirs. Competition is wonderful for the marketplace and prices -- bring 'em on!!

[cacole]

Well, somebody is obviously buying these Big Boys and Challengers or there wouldn't be so many coming out. Not too long ago Rivarossi was the only game in town if you wanted a Big Boy; now there are at least 3 and possibly 4 different ones from which to choose, and at least two, Trix and Lionel, come with DCC and sound already installed! If Rivarossi were still the only game in town there would be nothing with DCC and sound already installed because Rivarossi doesn't seem to be interested in even putting a DCC plug into theirs. Competition is wonderful for the marketplace and prices -- bring 'em on!!

[Anonymous]

As a UP modeler uninterested in DCC, I'm pleased that Athearn Genesis is doing the Challenger as an analog version, although I could do without the extra-cost sound as well. I don't find any sound system on the market sufficiently realistic. The Rivarossi model is dated (compare the detail and operating characteristics to a Broadway Limited Class A) and due to the July 10 bankruptcy of the Lima group (which owns Riva) it may disappear from the marketplace along with their Big Boy. I'll probably be selling my two Riva Challengers to buy the Genesis 3985.

Both the Trix Big Boy and the Lionel Challenger are way overpriced. Trix/Marklin have always been very expensive, so their Big Boy's price is no surprise. It does leave a niche between the Riva model's price/quality and the Marklin model for someone else like Genesis or Broadway Limited to compete.

It was asked how many Big Boys or Challengers we need. My response to this is how many F units or RS2/3's do we need? Right now, Athearn makes two lines of F units, and Intermountain, Stewart, Proto 1000, MRC and Roco are all in that market too. Kato recently did the RS2 and now we have one from Proto 1000. At one time we had RS3's from MDC, Stewart and Atlas simultaneously. Meanwhile, we don't have an SD24 or RSD15 "Alligator"... but we do have DL109's and Erie-builts! Bizarre.

In terms of steam, I'd agree we need more variety, but I'm not interested in kettles. If I want switchers for the 1950's, I'll run an NW2 or S2. Give me 2-10-4's, 2-10-2's, 4-8-4's and 4-8-2's. Broadway Limited shows a lot of promise in this sense with their Pennsylvania J1, which can be used to produce a C&O T1 as well. If Riva is bust, perhaps they'll do a UP FEF/NYC Niagara (they're very similar).

David

[Anonymous]

As a UP modeler uninterested in DCC, I'm pleased that Athearn Genesis is doing the Challenger as an analog version, although I could do without the extra-cost sound as well. I don't find any sound system on the market sufficiently realistic. The Rivarossi model is dated (compare the detail and operating characteristics to a Broadway Limited Class A) and due to the July 10 bankruptcy of the Lima group (which owns Riva) it may disappear from the marketplace along with their Big Boy. I'll probably be selling my two Riva Challengers to buy the Genesis 3985.

Both the Trix Big Boy and the Lionel Challenger are way overpriced. Trix/Marklin have always been very expensive, so their Big Boy's price is no surprise. It does leave a niche between the Riva model's price/quality and the Marklin model for someone else like Genesis or Broadway Limited to compete.

It was asked how many Big Boys or Challengers we need. My response to this is how many F units or RS2/3's do we need? Right now, Athearn makes two lines of F units, and Intermountain, Stewart, Proto 1000, MRC and Roco are all in that market too. Kato recently did the RS2 and now we have one from Proto 1000. At one time we had RS3's from MDC, Stewart and Atlas simultaneously. Meanwhile, we don't have an SD24 or RSD15 "Alligator"... but we do have DL109's and Erie-builts! Bizarre.

In terms of steam, I'd agree we need more variety, but I'm not interested in kettles. If I want switchers for the 1950's, I'll run an NW2 or S2. Give me 2-10-4's, 2-10-2's, 4-8-4's and 4-8-2's. Broadway Limited shows a lot of promise in this sense with their Pennsylvania J1, which can be used to produce a C&O T1 as well. If Riva is bust, perhaps they'll do a UP FEF/NYC Niagara (they're very similar).

David

[Anonymous]

How many Big boys/Challengersdo we need? As many as we dont need! Then again How many F-7's do we need?

[Anonymous]

How many Big boys/Challengersdo we need? As many as we dont need! Then again How many F-7's do we need?

[Anonymous]

Excuuuuuse me !!!!!!! The selection of N&W mallets PALES in comparison to
the UP. And there are even less non-articulateds for the N&W! Yet I agree on 2 things.
#1, there are too many UP mallets. #2, articulateds are a hassle for small layouts.
Believe me, I know. My dad has cut off expansion in the garage, and a 2 level layout
might be in order to accomidate the A's and Y's, even though I will not be able to afford them. P.S.- mallets are big, powerful, and give a lot of action. Its the effect
that they present, like battling up a grade on the blue ridge

[Anonymous]

Excuuuuuse me !!!!!!! The selection of N&W mallets PALES in comparison to
the UP. And there are even less non-articulateds for the N&W! Yet I agree on 2 things.
#1, there are too many UP mallets. #2, articulateds are a hassle for small layouts.
Believe me, I know. My dad has cut off expansion in the garage, and a 2 level layout
might be in order to accomidate the A's and Y's, even though I will not be able to afford them. P.S.- mallets are big, powerful, and give a lot of action. Its the effect
that they present, like battling up a grade on the blue ridge

[cacole]

The more the merrier -- competition helps keep prices down. When Rivarossi was the only one making a Big Boy, if you didn't like their model you had no where else to turn. Now we have die-cast metal models coming out with sound systems and decoders already installed for a price that is not that much more than Rivarossi charged for a plastic model with no DCC or sound capability.

[cacole]

The more the merrier -- competition helps keep prices down. When Rivarossi was the only one making a Big Boy, if you didn't like their model you had no where else to turn. Now we have die-cast metal models coming out with sound systems and decoders already installed for a price that is not that much more than Rivarossi charged for a plastic model with no DCC or sound capability.

[Anonymous]

You know I would really like to see a Trix version of the SP cab forward. I am extremely happy with my Trix Big Boy (#4013) and I have seen the 4015. Both are great locos.

[Anonymous]

You know I would really like to see a Trix version of the SP cab forward. I am extremely happy with my Trix Big Boy (#4013) and I have seen the 4015. Both are great locos.

[CP5415]

How about NONE! How many modelers out there have the room for such large locomotives. I wish I did.
How hard would it be for a manufacturer to produce a limited run of active steam locomotives? The basic drives are there, just tweak the bodies & cabs a bit to make them more prototypical!!
How about the 4-6-4 H1B Canadian Pacific 2816? Or how about one of the SOO Pacifics? Or even a South Simcoe 4-4-0 or 4-6-0?
Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[CP5415]

How about NONE! How many modelers out there have the room for such large locomotives. I wish I did.
How hard would it be for a manufacturer to produce a limited run of active steam locomotives? The basic drives are there, just tweak the bodies & cabs a bit to make them more prototypical!!
How about the 4-6-4 H1B Canadian Pacific 2816? Or how about one of the SOO Pacifics? Or even a South Simcoe 4-4-0 or 4-6-0?
Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[Anonymous]

I think "bigger is better" has gone too far. What about more smaller interesting
locomotives....a p2 pacific instead of the USRA version. Take a look at the classy
p2 on page 47 of Willaim E. Griffen, Jr.s "Seaboard...route of courteous service"...
now, that's an engine!

[Anonymous]

I think "bigger is better" has gone too far. What about more smaller interesting
locomotives....a p2 pacific instead of the USRA version. Take a look at the classy
p2 on page 47 of Willaim E. Griffen, Jr.s "Seaboard...route of courteous service"...
now, that's an engine!

[Anonymous]

My opinion is, if you're going to make a new Challenger, at least make it different. Again, selfishly, how about a WP 4-6-6-4? Maybe a D&RGW version?
I don't model steam, and I model in N, however I DO like the HO Bachmann 2-8-0, 4-6-0 and 4-8-2s. When I was younger and modeled in HO, I loved the Roundhouse kit locos. They all had a family appearance that made them ideal for a small freelanced railroad.
I would imagine smaller locos would sell better than huge ones, because most of us don't have the room for such monsters.
Just my two cents.

John

[Anonymous]

My opinion is, if you're going to make a new Challenger, at least make it different. Again, selfishly, how about a WP 4-6-6-4? Maybe a D&RGW version?
I don't model steam, and I model in N, however I DO like the HO Bachmann 2-8-0, 4-6-0 and 4-8-2s. When I was younger and modeled in HO, I loved the Roundhouse kit locos. They all had a family appearance that made them ideal for a small freelanced railroad.
I would imagine smaller locos would sell better than huge ones, because most of us don't have the room for such monsters.
Just my two cents.

John

[Anonymous]

Support the companies that have stood by the HO scalers all along. I bought the grandson a Lionel G guage train set and now I can't get track or turnouts or anything for it. Look it up at Walthers, all Lionel G out of stock!!! Looks like Lionel moved into G to make a big score and when it didn't pan out they quit and left me and others with non supported G equipment. Now they are looking to do the same in HO and I'll bet dollars to donuts the end results will be the same. Two years from now you'll break a coupler and find Lionel don't make or support HO anymore and there are no spare parts. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. NEVER AGAIN LIONEL!!!

[Anonymous]

Support the companies that have stood by the HO scalers all along. I bought the grandson a Lionel G guage train set and now I can't get track or turnouts or anything for it. Look it up at Walthers, all Lionel G out of stock!!! Looks like Lionel moved into G to make a big score and when it didn't pan out they quit and left me and others with non supported G equipment. Now they are looking to do the same in HO and I'll bet dollars to donuts the end results will be the same. Two years from now you'll break a coupler and find Lionel don't make or support HO anymore and there are no spare parts. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. NEVER AGAIN LIONEL!!!

[Anonymous]

I posted on another section of the forum, but to say again "enough Big Boys, Challengers & F-7s already"! Do some that have not been done (Big think Virginian 2-10-10-2 or Erie 2-8-8-8-2), Diesel Kraus-Maffie Diesel Hydrolic (only poor model). Maybe smaller is better! How about a CNJ 2-6-4T (would look nice with some Harrimon coaches or shorter hvywgts).

Foreign; Canadian Steam (No it is a foreign country, really) or exotic and foreign SAR Beyer Garrets.

[Anonymous]

I posted on another section of the forum, but to say again "enough Big Boys, Challengers & F-7s already"! Do some that have not been done (Big think Virginian 2-10-10-2 or Erie 2-8-8-8-2), Diesel Kraus-Maffie Diesel Hydrolic (only poor model). Maybe smaller is better! How about a CNJ 2-6-4T (would look nice with some Harrimon coaches or shorter hvywgts).

Foreign; Canadian Steam (No it is a foreign country, really) or exotic and foreign SAR Beyer Garrets.

[Anonymous]

I model the CNW and would like to see more its engines made, however I know it will never happen in plastic, too small a market. That said, how about some of the early ATSF types-flexible boilers, etc. and the Erie Tri-plexs, and other odd balls? I bet they would sell to more than just the operators. Survey, anyone? Al

[Anonymous]

I model the CNW and would like to see more its engines made, however I know it will never happen in plastic, too small a market. That said, how about some of the early ATSF types-flexible boilers, etc. and the Erie Tri-plexs, and other odd balls? I bet they would sell to more than just the operators. Survey, anyone? Al

[nfmisso]

Well; let's see (non-brass only)

4-8-8-4 Big Boy
Bowser, Rivarossi, Trix(Marklin) and lets not forget the ConCor(Monogram) static model for display on modern or smaller layouts.

4-6-6-4 Challenger
Athearn, Bowser, Lionel, Rivarossi, Roco(rumoured)

I hope I did not leave any out.

So the answers are 4 Big Boys and 5 Challengers.

Have fun, if you do not want one of these beasts, take it easy, something else will come along for you (and me).

[nfmisso]

Well; let's see (non-brass only)

4-8-8-4 Big Boy
Bowser, Rivarossi, Trix(Marklin) and lets not forget the ConCor(Monogram) static model for display on modern or smaller layouts.

4-6-6-4 Challenger
Athearn, Bowser, Lionel, Rivarossi, Roco(rumoured)

I hope I did not leave any out.

So the answers are 4 Big Boys and 5 Challengers.

Have fun, if you do not want one of these beasts, take it easy, something else will come along for you (and me).

[Trainnut484]

I think the market is getting crowded with all the new Big Boys and Challengers coming out. On the other hand, it's great to see Athearn and Lionel manufacture BIG steam locomotives. There are a couple of big steamers I would like to see come from either Athearn, Lionel, Rivarossi, or all three is Santa Fe's 2900 class
4-8-4's or their 2-10-4's. Those would bring BIG sales.[:)]

[Trainnut484]

I think the market is getting crowded with all the new Big Boys and Challengers coming out. On the other hand, it's great to see Athearn and Lionel manufacture BIG steam locomotives. There are a couple of big steamers I would like to see come from either Athearn, Lionel, Rivarossi, or all three is Santa Fe's 2900 class
4-8-4's or their 2-10-4's. Those would bring BIG sales.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Ineed POWER! My railroad has 3 to 4 % grades, mountain passes, big bridges & mountains. My main stay right now is 2-8-2's. Lots of them with one small 2-6-6-2. I would like to see some 4-8-4's, 2-10-2's, or 2-10-4's.

My railroad is The Denver & Rio Grande Southern in standard gauge. Next year it will double in size. The grades will remain 2% to 4% with trains not exceeding 50 cars.